2018 Volvo XC40 to be launched in India tomorrow

The 2018 Volvo XC40 SUV will be launched in India tomorrow. Volvo Cars has announced that only the top-spec R-Design variant with the D4 diesel engine will be launched in the country initially. Volvo India dealerships had previously begun accepting bookings for the company's youngest SUV in May. The booking amount for the same was Rs 5 lakh. The company had stated at the time that it expects all of its first lot of 200 units to be pre-booked before the official launch. The final specifications, features, and price will be announced tomorrow. But you can expect an ex-showroom price in the range of Rs 40-44 lakh. To know what we think of the XC40, read our first drive review here.

The Volvo XC40 gets Volvo's signature face including the rectangular grille that houses the brand's famed 'iron logo', as also the 'Thor's Hammer's LED daytime running lamps that are now a Volvo design trait

The Volvo XC40's rear end is simple yet elegant looking - the tail lamp cluster design is again typical of all Volvo SUVs though the cluster looks fresh and very modern here. The Volvo name is stretched across the boot lid as always though the rear number plate is positioned below the boot lid on the bumper which makes for a clean appearance

However, the highlight of the upcoming Volvo XC40 will be its radar-based driving and safety systems such as adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation along with pilot and lane assist and city safety with pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection. Interestingly, all these features are not offered even as an option in the Volvo XC40's German rivals - the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

The Volvo XC40 offers a sure-footed and planted feel at high speeds, while feel and feedback from the steering wheel is good, which adds to its likeable manners. Internationally, the Volvo XC40 comes with petrol T5 and D4 diesel engines. Both are four-cylinder turbocharged units mated to 8-speed Aisin automatics, which are found in other Volvo models as well. The D4 on the India-bound XC40 is a 2-litre diesel that makes 190PS and generates 400Nm.